Local Students Will Soon Benefit From Jacob Beneke Arts Scholarship

When Maple Grove resident Jacob Beneke was killed in the Accent Signage workplace shooting last year, Maple Grove Arts Center Executive Director Lorrie Link knew that she didn’t want his memory to die.

Beneke, a former member of the arts center board and business art program, was enthusiastic about art, Link said. And while the Maple Grove Arts Center already held a benefit for Beneke family members, Link wanted to do more.

At the end of March, a unique scholarship opportunity will be available to newly graduated Osseo Area Schools students. The scholarship will be created in Beneke’s name and will help pay for college expenses for those pursuing fine arts or graphic design majors.

“Jacob had so much energy and made such an impression on us,” Link said. “We just felt like we had to do something to remember him.”

Iliyana Beneke, Jacob’s wife, donated $200 and donations from a gala event at the arts center on Feb. 15 also went toward the scholarship. Students who want to receive the scholarship will have to go through an application process that includes writing a narrative, answering questions and submitting an art portfolio.

“Hopefully we can build the scholarship just like we’ve built the arts center,” Link said. “I potentially see it at $1,000 in just a few years.”

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Are you interested in donating to the Jacob Beneke scholarship fund? Make a donation here.